Elevate your agronomy skills with our exam. Prepare using quizzes, flashcards, and multiple choice questions. Familiarize yourself with key concepts and excel in your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What is the scientific name of alfalfa?

  1. Medicago sativa

  2. Alfalfa

  3. Trefoil repens

  4. Zea mays

The correct answer is: Medicago sativa

The scientific name of alfalfa is Medicago sativa. This classification places alfalfa within the family Fabaceae, which is known for its legumes. The use of Latin names in scientific nomenclature allows for precise identification of plant species across different languages and regions. Alfalfa is a crucial forage crop, rich in nutrients, and is widely cultivated for livestock feed, making its identification with the correct scientific name essential for agronomy studies and practices. In contrast, while "Alfalfa" is a common name and easily recognizable, it lacks the specificity provided by the scientific name. Trefoil repens refers to a different species, commonly known as white clover, which is not related to alfalfa. Zea mays is the scientific name for corn, another vital agricultural crop, but it is unrelated to alfalfa. Knowing the correct scientific identity of plants helps agronomists in research, cultivation practices, and understanding plant characteristics.